S Z RIZVI
Now that the Indian apex court has allowed school to reopen in hybrid mode as the pollution level continues to remain grim, Doctors have advised the school management to install air purifiers in classrooms in a phased manner.
“It is huge task but the beginning must be made as year after year the issue of pollution continues to force government to take extreme steps including the closure of school” Dr Mayank Saxena a leading pulmonologist says
The doctor says that air purifiers are cheaper and would minimise the impact of toxic suspendered particulate matter (SPM) while students attend the classes “ It is impossible to expect school going kids to put on face mask at all time” .
At the same time Dr Saxena who is working as Deputy Director at the Fortis Hospital, says there should be compulsory ban on school assembly in open, sports and physical training classes as it would expose the student. “This must be ensured because exposure during such activities will impact the health of these school children”
Last week India apex court allowed the Government to resume classes in both online and offline after it reviewed decision on air pollution, and directed schools and colleges in the National Capital on to shift classes up to the 12th standard to a “hybrid” mode.
Poor air quality, driven by unfavourable weather conditions, usually persists for long periods during winter, from November to January.
During this time, Delhi often sees air quality levels requiring strict restrictions under the third and fourth stages of the air pollution control plan called GRAP, which significantly disrupt the education system and affect learning quality.
As many of the school lacks facilities of holding only online classes, the Apex agreed to hold in hybrid mode both offline and offline
The students of Classes 10 and 12, along with their school authorities, are the hardest hit by the stage-4 restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). These students are required to attend physical classes for practical lessons, tests and extra tutorials needed for board and competitive examinations.
Panel directed the state governments to ensure that all classes up to standard 12 as well as college and other educational institution classes are conducted in a “hybrid” mode — both physical and online — wherever feasible.
Dr Saxena said a long-term plan must be initiated to plug all areas where pollution reaches the highest from beginning of August and strict action against the offender should be taken. “Health is the key factor because long term impact of the pollution will become evident soon”
On the stubble burning, Dr Saxena said farmers must be encouraged to convert the stubble into fertilisers by the concern government leaving no room for crop burning. “One you link financial benefits, things will improve”
Citizens in the National Capital Region pray for an early rain that may wash the polluting air but then the onset of winter chill will see road side bonfires.
